Shrinking Social Security advantage for couples
![](https://socialsecurityreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/iStock_000015976639Small-700x559.jpg)
(By – Kelley Holland, CNBC)
Social Security has more than its share of critics, but over the years it has managed, at least, to provide a special cushion for some women. Because women in the past were less likely to work and tended to accumulate less in Social Security benefits, married women have disproportionately benefited from the spousal benefit, which entitles them to as much as half of their partner’s Social Security benefit. And because women tend to outlive men, they are more likely than their husbands to receive Social Security survivors benefits. Read more…